Outdoor Kitchen Planning Guide

Looking to add an outdoor kitchen to your home? A well-designed outdoor kitchen adds an elegant touch to the yard, gets you cooking at home more often, and can raise your property value. Use this guide to work through the ins and outs of designing and installing one.

Outdoor Kitchen Design

One of the first things to settle is the design. Will the kitchen be an extension of your indoor kitchen, or a standalone space? If it is standalone, you may want a sink and refrigerator on top of a grill, storage, and counter space.

Think about the distance between the indoor and outdoor space too. Do you really want to carry utensils and ingredients back and forth?

You do not need a huge footprint to build an outdoor kitchen, but if you cook for larger groups, plan for the room. Many outdoor kitchens run between 10 and 16 feet long and around 24 feet wide, but it can be as big as the backyard allows.

Keep safety in the plan as well. Keep grills away from seating areas, and add plenty of lighting for cooking later in the evening.

Materials to Consider For Your Outdoor Kitchen

Choosing materials for an outdoor kitchen is a bit different than indoors, simply because everything is more exposed to the weather.

Pick materials that hold up in any conditions. They should be water and grease-resistant, like high-quality stainless steel. Granite or travertine work well for counters and add an elegant touch. Finally, lean toward materials that wipe clean easily. The easier the kitchen is to maintain, the more often you will want to use it.

Outdoor Kitchen Appliances and Features

As noted, the appliances and features depend on whether you want a standalone kitchen or an extension of the indoor one. Some to consider:

• Grill
• Wood stove or smoker
• Storage space and cabinets
• Refrigerator and freezer
• Sink
• Prep and counter space
• Outdoor dishwasher
• Island bar
• Seating
• Dining table
• Custom fireplace or fire pit
• Entertainment system
• Ceiling fans

Cost Expectations For Your Outdoor Kitchen

When it comes to outdoor kitchens, the sky (and your budget) are the only limits. One can be built for as little as $5,000, but most land in the $25,000 to $50,000 range. That is why it helps to understand your requirements and desired features before you start.

The investment tends to pay off. One study put the return on an outdoor kitchen between 100% and 200%, which makes the elegant touch it adds easy to justify when you factor in the bump to resale value.

Outdoor Kitchen Installation: DIY vs Professional Contractor

Outdoor kitchens have taken off in recent years. They add value and create a fun space that pulls family and friends together to cook at home.

You can DIY one, but for a full outdoor kitchen we do not recommend it. You are managing plumbing, electrical, and gas, plus a plan for winterization. For most people, the design and build are best left to a professional.

Professional Outdoor Kitchen Installation Services

The project above was completed by the team at Solicito & Son Contracting. This custom pavilion features an outdoor kitchen, fireplace, and entertainment system. From start to finish, we can help you design the right outdoor kitchen and living space.

Contact us for professional outdoor kitchen installation and design in Rockland County. We provide free project estimates and have over 40 years of experience delivering top-rated landscaping across New Jersey, New York, and NYC.

Ready to cook outside?

Let’s design your outdoor kitchen.

Free estimates on outdoor kitchens across Rockland, Bergen, and the tri-state.

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